Four individuals were honored for their good works during the Third Annual Community Recognition Gala hosted by St. Mary of the Assumption Cathedral, Trenton, held Oct. 4 in the Princeton Manor, Hamilton.

The honorees were Congressman Chris Smith and Carmen Garcia, Esq., who received the Father Armand Iavarone Community Service Award. Also recognized were Msgr. John K. Dermond and Gladys Ortiz who were presented with the Fe y Obras (Faith and Service) Award for their outstanding dedication and many years of service to the Lord and the cathedral parish.

The Community Recognition Gala is an opportunity to celebrate more than 130 years of service to the cathedral, which is the Mother Church of the Diocese. The Gala is also an opportunity for the cathedral staff to award a four-year college scholarship to a deserving student who is continuing his or her education. This year’s scholarship recipient was Emanuel Herrera, a member of the Guardians of the Altar at the cathedral, who is a student in Boston University.

“We had a wonderful evening of fellowship as we honored and showcased the great people of our community and parish, who, year after year, dedicate their time and efforts to the Church community and the community at-large,” said Msgr. Joseph Roldan, cathedral rector.

“We thank our Lord Jesus Christ for the wonderful parishioners who volunteered their time and talents to organize such an extraordinary evening, and for all of the wonderful individuals who joined us in making this event a success,” added Rosa Rosado, gala chair.

Congressman Smith, a resident of the Diocese of Trenton and a member of St. Gregory the Great Parish, Hamilton Square, was honored for his extraordinary work as a human rights advocate and for his efforts to stop human trafficking and put an end to legalized abortion.

Garcia, a cathedral parishioner, was acknowledged for her longtime involvement in the Trenton community. She served as a municipal judge for the City of Trenton and currently works as an associate board member of the New Jersey State Parole Board.  She also makes herself available especially to members of the Latino community to answer questions regarding legal issues. She is a standing member of the Hispanic National Bar Association and the American Bar Association and serves on the executive boards of both the New Jersey Women Lawyers Association and the Hispanic Bar Association of New Jersey.

Msgr. Dermond was honored for his extraordinary work as rector of the cathedral as well as his decades of service to the Trenton Diocese as judicial vicar. With the presentation of the award, the cathedral community extended their deep appreciation to Msgr. Dermond for his outreach to the cathedral parishioners, especially his making it a point to become fluent in Spanish in order to communicate with his flock more effectively.

Ortiz, who has lived in Trenton since 1972, was commemorated for her unwavering desire to serve her parish through various ministries. She has served in various offices of the Damas de Monte Carmelo, including as president, and is recognized for her desire to promote devotion to the Blessed Mother.  She, along with her husband, Gilbert Ortiz, has long been active in Marriage Encounter and she is also involved with marriage ministries through the diocesan Department of Youth, Marriage and Family Life. She, too, is a member of the parish council at the cathedral.